Japan a Cup dark horse: Gregan

WALLABIES great George Gregan says every northern hemisphere power will pose a threat at the Rugby World Cup, but he questions whether Wales has the attacking strike power to go all the way.

The former Australian captain says Europe’s best have clearly advanced since the 2015 tournament, with none reaching the semi-finals, and it’s conceivable Japan might offer up the first northern winner since England in 2003.

Gregan is most taken by the English, who he is tipping to mount a compelling campaign under his former Brumbies and Wallabies coach Eddie Jones. Wales has impressed him during its ascent to world No.1 status, but Gregan believes Warren Gatland’s team might lack the sparkle required on the likely hard and fast surfaces.

“They’re pretty comfortable with how they play, Wales,” he said. “I just have my doubts whether the way they play is going to be conducive to scoring a lot of points in a World Cup, and the conditions in Japan will be very conducive to keeping the ball in hand and playing.”

Australia meets Wales in its second pool match, on September 29, in Tokyo. A 13-Test winning streak against the Welsh ended last November with a tense 9-6 loss in Cardiff, where the hosts produced the sort of pressure rugby that had been their hallmark of the past 18 months.

Gregan said Ireland had proved it would be powerful but saved his most lavish praise for England.

“They have the ability to score points, a lot of points, and then they can defend well,” Gregan said.

“They’ll be organised and gearing towards playing their best football at the end of the tournament.”

Gregan said current form was not a good indicator as teams were at different stages of experimentation.